Due to our high elevation and mountainous terrain, pest control in Ogden must account for bats. Bats are the only mammal capable of flight. These small, nocturnal creatures have bodies that are completely covered in hair and wings that are made of a fine membrane. The bones within bat wings closely mimic those of human hands. Bats are virtually blind but have large ears that allow them to "see" with echolocation. There are hundreds of species of bats currently identified worldwide, with approximately 40 species living in the United States. Learn how to identify a bat problem, the health hazards they cause, and how professional bat pest control can help.

How To Tell If You Have A Bat Problem On Your Property

Bats can live for up to 30 years and may find their way onto your property in search of food and shelter. Bats will often roost in attics and roofs.

The key signs that a bat or several bats may be taking up residence in your Ogden home include:

You find bat droppings around your home. Bat droppings typically look like rat dropping.
Your attic smells of ammonia.
There are stains or streaks on the ceiling, in the insulation, or in the rafters.
You hear wing flapping or scratching sounds.
You hear high-pitched screeching noises.
You see bats flying in or around your property at night.

If any of these signs are spotted and bats are suspected, it's best to call the bat control specialists at Mountain West Pest Control.

The Health Hazards Of Bats On Your Property

Never try to remove bats from your home yourself. A small percentage of bats do carry the rabies virus and can transmit it to humans and pets; this is why if you suspect bats on your Ogden property, it is imperative to seek out professional bat control near you. The Rabies virus is transmitted through the bodily fluids of an infected animal. The virus attacks the central nervous system and, without early prevention, is fatal. Symptoms include fever, headache, insomnia, fear of water, lockjaw, and irritability.

In addition to rabies, bat droppings contain a fungus that can cause histoplasmosis. The fungi spores are airborne and, when breathed in, contaminate the lungs. Symptoms of histoplasmosis include fever, muscle aches, chest pain, and cough.

How To Remove Factors That Attract Bats To Your Property

Due to the aforementioned health risks that come with a bat infestation, do-it-yourself bat control is discouraged. Bat control products that can be bought at the store can only go so far. The best way to avoid bats on your property is to employ preventative measures. Bat proofing a home starts with inspecting the exterior of the structure. If there are any openings or cracks in the siding or roofing, these should be immediately filled with steel wool and silicone caulk. Chimney openings and attic vents should be properly screened to avoid any bat access points. Additionally, installing door sweeps can help minimize bats from finding their way into your home. Furthermore, having an abundance of insects or fruit trees on your property may attract bats. Ogden residents should plant fruit trees as far from their homes as possible and address any insect infestations right away.

The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Bats

If you are already sharing your home with bats, then a professional pest control team is a must. Reach out to Mountain West Pest Control for all of your pest control needs. We offer humane bat control and can safely remove these pests from your home. Locally owned and operated, we are dedicated to caring for Ogden residents at each step of the pest control process. For dependable pest control, reach out to Mountain West Pest Control today!